Train order hoop



Jan. 2, 1934.

R. A. STOCKWELL TRAIN ORDER HOOP Filed Jan. 23, 1932 u M H w m 0 ai fi F. R m 91v Patented Jan. 2, 1934 iii an STATES 3 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in devices for transferring order papers from a station master to a moving train, which devices are commonly referred to as train order hoops.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a train order hoop having associated therewith means whereby the order carried thereby may be illuminated so that the picking up of the order at night by a trainman will be greatly facilitated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a train order hoop having illuminating means which is adapted to be maintained permanently lighted or which may be flashed by the station man holding the hoop, as desired.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a hoop of the above described character in which the parts thereof are so disposed as to facilitate the actuation of the flash switch while the hoop is being held overhead and in the proper position for the easy removal of the order therefrom by a member of the crew of a passing train.

The invention will be best understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing forming part of this specification, with the understanding, however, that the invention is not confined to any strict conformity with the showing of the drawing but may be changed or modified so long as such changes or modifications marl; no material departure from the salient features of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view in edge elevation of the lower portion of the order hoop showing the position of the two light controlling switches and the battery container thereon;

Figure 3 illustrates the circuit diagram for the order hoop.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing wherein like numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the numeral 1 indicates the handle of the present device from one end of which there extends the divergent arms 2 which are preferably of flat formation so that the free ends thereof will present a long edge across which may be firmly drawn a string or cord loop 3 to which the order papers 4 are secured in any suitable manner. After the string loop has been placed in position over the ends of the arms 2 in the manner illustrated, it is drawn down and secured under the spring clip or fastener 5 which is attached to the handle 1 at the upper end thereof in the manner illustrated.

Upon the opposite side of the handle from the spring clip 5 is mounted a container 6 of any suitable character for housing an electric battery which supplies electrical energy to a pair of light members 7. Each of the members 7 is mounted upon the inner face of an arm 2 adjacent the free end of the arm so that when they are illuminated the illumination of the order papers 4 will be obtained.

Upon the side of the handle 1 upon which the battery casing 6 is mounted, there is mounted a snap switch 8 and adjacent the transverse center of the handle upon the opposite side from the snap switch 8 there is mounted a push button switch 9.

As shown in Figure 3 the electric lights 7 are electrically connected on one side by the wires 5 10 with one side of the battery 11 which is housed in the casing 6, while their other sides are connected by means of the wires 11 with one side of each of the switches 8 and 9, the other 3 sides of these switches being connected by the g wire 12 with the other side of the battery 11.

It will be seen from the foregoing that in us ing the present hoop the station man in holding the hoop out so that a trainman may remove the order 4 therefrom, will grasp the handle 1 in such a way that he may operate the push button switch 9 with his thumb either to flash the lights 7 or to keep them burning steadily. It will be seen also that by holding the handle so that the thumb will engage the push button switch 9 the resilient clasp 5 will be upon the side of the hoop away from the approaching train so that when the trainman grabs the order papers the string holding the paper 3 will be readily slipped from the ends of the arms 2 and will have its ends drawn from the clip. If the station man desires to maintain the lights 7 burning steadily he may -close the switch 8 for this purpose.

Having thus described the invention, what is I claimed is:-

1. In a train order hoop having an elongated handle and a pair of arms extending in divergent relation from one end of the handle between which an order carrying cord is designed to be extended, a pair of incandescent electric lights mounted upon the opposed faces of said arms adjacent their free ends, a receptacle mounted upon the said handle, an electric battery within said receptacle, electric wires connecting said lights with said battery, and a pair of switches 1 mounted upon said handle, one of said switches being connected in series with the lights and the battery to control the flow of current through said wires to said lights and the other of said switches being connected across the first mentioned switch for the control of the lights independently of the first mentioned switch, the last mentioned switch being of the type which returns to open position when released.

2. A train order hoop, comprising a handle having a pair of arms extending in divergent relation therefrom, an incandescent electric light mounted upon the inner side of each of said arms adjacent its free end, means for energizing said lights, and means for suspending a body between and in spaced relation with said arms whereby the body will be fully illuminated by the lights disposed upon opposite sides thereof.

3. In a train order hoop having a handle and a pair of arms extending in divergent relation therefrom, between which arms an order carrying cord is designed to be extended, a pair of incandescent electric lights mounted upon the opposed faces of said arms adjacent their free ends, a source of electric current carried by said handle, electric wires connecting said lights with said source of current, and a switch connected in series with said lights and source of current and arranged to be actuated by a finger of the hand holding the said handle.

ROY A. STOCKWELL. 

